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ASK THE DA: Week of December 22

December 24, 2011 Charles J. Hynes

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Since it is the holiday season, I believe that it is importantand timely to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving. Wemust never lose sight of the fact that every day in this countrythere are far too many families suffering due to the selfish actsof a drunk or drugged driver.

During this time of year, we must all remain vigilant aboutdriving responsibly, and stress the importance of this message toour community of friends and family. If you plan on drinking, leaveyour car home; do not accept a ride from someone who has beendrinking at your social gathering. If traveling as a group, choosea designated driver or make arrangements for a car service

My office treats drunk driving very seriously. In addition tothe prosecution of drunk drivers, I have created a preventionprogram known as Choices and Consequences to address the deadlyproblem of reckless and drunk driving among teens.

Dedicated members of my specialized Vehicular Crimes Bureauvisit high schools throughout Brooklyn presenting an interactivecurriculum to students together with the city Department ofTransportation and the Police Department.

The presentation concludes with a family member of a victim whosenselessly lost his or life, or a defendant who has caused harmdue to his reckless behavior, explaining his experiences and theconsequences of his actions to the students.

Automobile accidents are the number one killer of young peoplebetween the ages of 16 and 24. Each year, approximately 6,000 younglives are lost and another 300,000 teens are injured in caraccidents. In our state, more than 20 percent of all highwayfatalities involve the use of alcohol or other substances.

New York State makes it illegal for any driver or passenger topossess an alcoholic beverage with intent to consume the contents.Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol ordrugs is a Vehicle and Traffic Law offense, the penalties for whichinclude license revocation, a substantial fine and a possible jailsentence.

Also, New York passed a law call the Child Passenger ProtectionAct, also known as Leandra’s Law, which designates it a felony ifa drunk driver is apprehended with a child in the car. The billalso requires interlock devices to stop engines from starting forall DWI offenders if their breath establishes intoxication.

With these safety considerations in mind, I hope that you andyour family have a wonderful holiday season.

Charles J. Hynes is the Kings County DistrictAttorney.

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